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Publications

2021

Genetic and Ant Colony Algorithms to Solve the Multi-TSP

Authors
Castro Pereira, Sd; Solteiro Pires, EJ; Moura Oliveira, PBd;

Publication
Intelligent Data Engineering and Automated Learning - IDEAL 2021 - 22nd International Conference, IDEAL 2021, Manchester, UK, November 25-27, 2021, Proceedings

Abstract
Multiple traveling salesman problem (mTSP) is a variant of the famous and standard traveling salesman problem, an NP-hard problem in combinatorial optimization. This kind of problem can be solved using exact methods but usually results in high exponential computational complexities. Heuristics and metaheuristics are required to overcome this shortcoming. This study proposes a hybrid method based on the Genetic Algorithm, Ant Colony Optimization, and 2-opt to improve the solution. Computational results with some benchmark instances are provided and compared with other published studies. In three instances, the proposed technique provides better results than the best-known solutions reported in the literature.

2021

Weathering on volcanic edifices under semi-arid climates. Insights from a regional assessment of the composition of Fogo Island regoliths (Cape Verde)

Authors
Cabral Pinto, M; Dinis, PA; Pitta Groz, D; Marques, R; Prudêncio, MI; Moura, R; Rocha, F; Ferreira da Silva, E;

Publication
Geological Society, London, Special Publications

Abstract
AbstractIn this study, the geochemistry and mineralogy of regoliths formed on Fogo Island (Cape Verde), a polygenic stratovolcano built during the Quaternary, are used to assess the geomorphological factors that control the early stages of basalt weathering. Fogo Island soils are mainly derived from relatively homogenous silica-undersaturated basaltic rocks. However, a discernible exotic component is recognised in areas most exposed to prevailing winds by ratios on non-mobile elements that are hosted in different amounts by basaltic rocks (e.g., Th, Sc and Ti). Weathering extent is evidenced by a relative depletion in mobile elements (e.g., Na, Ca, Mg) and an enrichment in non-mobile elements (e.g., Ti, Fe, Sc, Al), the decomposition of the most labile minerals (olivines), and the enrichment in secondary components (phyllosilicates and some Fe-oxides, such as hematite-goethite), along with quartz supplied from non-volcanic areas. It depends on bedrock age and type (pyroclastic deposits vs. lava-flows). In particular, soils covering older volcanic units tend to be more affected by chemical alteration than those overlying younger units. In addition, more intense weathering is observed in locations characterised by a combination of moderate elevation, slopes with low gradient and relatively high rainfall. The present investigation shows that even in low humidity environments recently formed basalt are affected by weathering, with the extent of chemical decomposition being mainly determined by the age of surface exposure and local orographic/climatic features.

2021

Statistically Robust Evaluation of Stream-Based Recommender Systems

Authors
Vinagre, J; Jorge, AM; Rocha, C; Gama, J;

Publication
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON KNOWLEDGE AND DATA ENGINEERING

Abstract
Online incremental models for recommendation are nowadays pervasive in both the industry and the academia. However, there is not yet a standard evaluation methodology for the algorithms that maintain such models. Moreover, online evaluation methodologies available in the literature generally fall short on the statistical validation of results, since this validation is not trivially applicable to stream-based algorithms. We propose a k-fold validation framework for the pairwise comparison of recommendation algorithms that learn from user feedback streams, using prequential evaluation. Our proposal enables continuous statistical testing on adaptive-size sliding windows over the outcome of the prequential process, allowing practitioners and researchers to make decisions in real time based on solid statistical evidence. We present a set of experiments to gain insights on the sensitivity and robustness of two statistical tests-McNemar's and Wilcoxon signed rank-in a streaming data environment. Our results show that besides allowing a real-time, fine-grained online assessment, the online versions of the statistical tests are at least as robust as the batch versions, and definitely more robust than a simple prequential single-fold approach.

2021

Formal verification of Matrix based MATLAB models using interactive theorem proving

Authors
Gauhar, A; Rashid, A; Hasan, O; Bispo, J; Cardoso, JMP;

Publication
PEERJ COMPUTER SCIENCE

Abstract
MATLAB is a software based analysis environment that supports a high-level programing language and is widely used to model and analyze systems in various domains of engineering and sciences. Traditionally, the analysis of MATLAB models is done using simulation and debugging/testing frameworks. These methods provide limited coverage due to their inherent incompleteness. Formal verification can overcome these limitations, but developing the formal models of the underlying MATLAB models is a very challenging and time-consuming task, especially in the case of higher-order-logic models. To facilitate this process, we present a library of higher-order-logic functions corresponding to the commonly used matrix functions of MATLAB as well as a translator that allows automatic conversion of MATLAB models to higher-order logic. The formal models can then be formally verified in an interactive theorem prover. For illustrating the usefulness of the proposed library and approach, we present the formal analysis of a Finite Impulse Response (FIR) filter, which is quite commonly used in digital signal processing applications, within the sound core of the HOL Light theorem prover.

2021

Work-in-Progress-Immersing E-facilitators in Training: The Perspective of Project FAVILLE - Facilitators of Virtual Learning

Authors
Lattke, S; Morgado, L; Afonso, AP; Penicheiro, F; Morgado, L; Moreira, JA;

Publication
2021 7TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IMMERSIVE LEARNING RESEARCH NETWORK (ILRN)

Abstract
The paper presents the e-facilitator concept and explores the perspective of some professionals in the field (stakeholders) on this role and its competencies. Facilitation in virtual learning environments is a growing challenge when more and more learners find their way to online learning platforms and many universities adapt their courses to digital environments since the global pandemic forced many people to stay at home.

2021

Synthesis of Catechol Derived Rosamine Dyes and Their Reactivity toward Biogenic Amines

Authors
Monteiro Silva, F; Queiros, C; Leite, A; Rodriguez, MT; Rojo, MJ; Torroba, T; Martins, RC; Silva, AMG; Rangel, M;

Publication
MOLECULES

Abstract
Functional organic dyes play a key role in many fields, namely in biotechnology and medical diagnosis. Herein, we report two novel 2,3- and 3,4-dihydroxyphenyl substituted rosamines (3 and 4, respectively) that were successfully synthesized through a microwave-assisted protocol. The best reaction yields were obtained for rosamine 4, which also showed the most interesting photophysical properties, specially toward biogenic amines (BAs). Several amines including n- and t-butylamine, cadaverine, and putrescine cause spectral changes of 4, in UV-Vis and fluorescence spectra, which are indicative of their potential application as an effective tool to detect amines in acetonitrile solutions. In the gas phase, the probe response is more expressive for spermine and putrescine. Additionally, we found that methanolic solutions of rosamine 4 and n-butylamine undergo a pink to yellow color change over time, which has been attributed to the formation of a new compound. The latter was isolated and identified as 5 (9-aminopyronin), whose solutions exhibit a remarkable increase in fluorescence intensity together with a shift toward more energetic wavelengths. Other 9-aminopyronins 6a, 6b, 7a, and 7b were obtained from methanolic solutions of 4 with putrescine and cadaverine, demonstrating the potential of this new xanthene entity to react with primary amines.

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